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On Monday's show of June 23, 2025  Elaine B. Holtz comments:  Joining me on the phone this morning is Dr. Raquell Holmes, coordinator of the Freedom Festival that is taking place from June 19 through July 4th. We will be talking about the Juneteenth play that Ken and I attended on June 19 which is the Federal Holiday honoring Juneteenth.

For the second segment of the show, joining me on the phone this morning will be Dr. Harriet Fraad. Dr. Fraad is a mental health counselor and hypnotherapist in practice in New York City. She is a well-published author and writes about the pressures on families and the economics of the USA. She is also a regular guest of Dr. Richard Wolff and his show Economic Update on KBBF 89.1FM every Tuesday 11 AM - noon.

2. Our first Guest Dr. Raquell Holmes:  In this Women’s Spaces interview, host Elaine B. Holtz speaks with Dr. Raquell Holmes, founder of the Freedom Festival, which runs from Juneteenth to the Fourth of July. Inspired by activist Opal Lee and Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in 2021, the festival celebrates freedom and independence through over 22 in-person and virtual events. These include poetry readings, community discussions, and science-based talks, such as a featured conversation with astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi. A highlight was the staged reading of Enid Pickett’s Juneteenth play, praised for its emotional depth and honest portrayal of slavery’s legacy. Holmes emphasizes storytelling, literacy, and open dialogue as vital tools for healing and understanding history. She encourages daily acts of hope and connection as steps toward peace and progress. The festival invites participation and reflection, aiming to build a more inclusive future. More information is available at https://freedomfestivalusa.org/

3. Our Guest Dr. Harriet Fraad:  In her Women’s Spaces interview, psychotherapist and activist Dr. Harriet Fraad examines America’s political and emotional decline, linking it to the collapse of U.S. global dominance and misguided efforts to revive empire. She critiques former President Trump’s false promises and highlights how traditional masculinity fuels aggression and war-making. Fraad explains that many Americans turn to misinformation because they feel betrayed by institutions and seek scapegoats, often targeting immigrants and the poor. She stresses that the U.S. lacks political alternatives due to a weakened left.

In the second half of the interview, Fraad offers hope through activism and community engagement. She highlights democratic socialist movements, pointing to leaders like Zoran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Citing countries with strong social programs, she emphasizes the value of universal care and democratic accountability. Fraad urges Americans to unite, stay informed, and take collective action. “If we connect,” she says, “we can win.” True change begins with solidarity and courage. 

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On Monday's show of June 16, 2025  Elaine B. Holtz comments:  Elaine B. Holtz debuts a new recurring segment, Men’s Spaces, co-hosted by Ken Norton, featuring guest Lee J. Pierce—former Santa Rosa Vice Mayor, North Bay Black Chamber President, and author of A Rare Vintage: Growing Up Black in the Wine Country. Elaine celebrates this inclusion of men’s voices in community conversations. She reflects on June 14, 2025, a historic day marked by the “NO KINGS” protest, attended by thousands including her sister Evelyn, and the 55th annual Juneteenth Festival, where she and Ken ran the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow Foundation booth. Five college scholarships were awarded to youth for college.

To honor the day’s deeper significance, tarot readers Magick and Sherry Glaser offered insights on its numerology—“11”—symbolizing strength, intuition, and spiritual justice through truth-telling and feminine wisdom. Elaine closes by honoring Father’s Day, recognizing influential men in her life, including family members and Juneteenth organizer Harold Rogers. The segment weaves together activism, reflection, celebration, and shared purpose.

 2. Men's Spaces: Elaine B. Holtz and Ken Norton introduce a new segment on Women’s Spaces called Men’s Spaces. The segment will spotlight men who support feminist values and actively contribute to their communities. Ken, who will conduct the interviews, shares his radio background from KKUP in Cupertino, where he hosted a show focused on tribal and percussion-based music. Elaine recounts how Ken’s voice and presence during a time of personal difficulty inspired the creation of Men’s Spaces. Originally planned quarterly, the segment may become monthly. Ken emphasizes the importance of unity, kindness, and allyship across gender and race.

3. Our Men's Spaces Guest Lee J. Pierce: In the debut Men’s Spaces segment on Women’s Spaces, host Ken Norton interviews author and former Santa Rosa City Council member Lee J. Pierce about his memoir A Rare Vintage: Growing Up Black in Wine Country. Pierce shares his journey from a working-class Black childhood in St. Helena to leadership roles in politics and business. He introduces two guiding concepts: “The Spotlight,” symbolizing the scrutiny faced by those who stand out, and “TEOS” (The Element Of Surprise), which represents life-changing, unexpected opportunities. Mentors like teacher Cynthia Fagg and author Jo Spencer were pivotal in encouraging Pierce to pursue leadership and write his story. He recalls powerful moments—his sister’s tragic death, being named military squad leader, and choosing a risky surgery over deployment to Vietnam—that shaped his resilience. Norton praises the memoir as a compelling testament to strength and purpose. Pierce urges aspiring writers to tell their stories. The book is available at www.ararevintage-leejpierce.com .

Above Elaine B. Holtz, Ken Norton, and guest author Lee J. Pierce in the studio of Radio KBBF.   Photo 2025 by Alicia Sanchez

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On Monday's show of May 26, 2025  Elaine B. Holtz comments: 

Elaine  highlights several community events and leaders promoting inclusion and justice. Katrina Phillips, Chair of the Sonoma County Human Rights Commission, is organizing The Prom We Never Had on June 22 at the Arlene Francis Center. This 21+ event invites guests to dress in formal wear, pink, or Western-themed outfits and features music, food, art, and resources, creating a joyful space for those historically excluded from prom experiences. Katrina also calls in from a three-day Immigration March advocating for reform.

Elaine honors the 55th Juneteenth celebration in Sonoma County on June 14, founded by civil rights pioneer Mrs. Martel Perry, who created community spaces when denied access to public ones. Her legacy lives on through her granddaughter Syndi Davenport’s performances.

Guests Dr. Andrea Hall and poet Enid Pickett join in-studio, representing vibrant Black leadership and artistry in the region. Together, these voices and events celebrate resilience, culture, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

 2. Our Guest, Katrina Phillips joins Elaine B. Holtz to discuss two important topics: immigration reform and LGBTQ+ pride. Speaking from a march near Davis, California, Katrina describes participating in a peaceful three-day journey from Vacaville to Sacramento, advocating for immigration reform and dignity for long-established immigrant families under the banner “papers for all.” She emphasizes the movement’s dedication to justice, solidarity, and security for all communities. Above Photo by Katrina Philips of her in the Immigration March June 9, 2025

Katrina also shares details about The Prom We Never Had,- the Pink Pony Prom an inclusive LGBTQ+ pride event she’s organizing as Chair of the Human Rights Commission. Scheduled for June 22 at the Arlene Francis Center, the event responds to increasing threats against LGBTQIA+ rights by creating a joyful space for those excluded from traditional proms. Inspired by Pink Pony Club, the prom will feature DJs, art, poetry, and free food, celebrating queer identities and resilience. Katrina underscores pride as an act of survival, love, and visibility.

3. Our Guests Dr. Andrea Hall and Enid Pickett: Host Elaine B. Holtz welcomes poet Enid Pickett and Dr. Andrea Hall, Director of Community Engagement for the North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce, for a discussion on activism and Juneteenth. Pickett, a creative activist, emphasizes education, justice, and visibility as a person of color in Sonoma County. Hall shares her background as a Sonoma County native raised in a civically engaged family, blending nursing, metaphysical studies, and pain therapy with community advocacy.

They highlight Juneteenth as a celebration of cultural pride and resilience. Pickett references the African concept of Sankofa, emphasizing historical memory, while both caution against erasing Black history. Hall recalls her family's early role in local Juneteenth events. Pickett shares how her Juneteenth poem evolved into a book and inspired a play exploring a Black family’s story across 1865, 1963, and 2025.

The conversation closes with details about Sonoma County’s Freedom Festival, including the June 14 Juneteenth Festival and Pickett’s play on June 19 and 20, celebrating freedom, identity, and equality.

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On Monday's show of May 26, 2025  Elaine B. Holtz comments: 

Joining me today in the studio is Madonna Feather Cruz, a distinguished Native American woman, disability advocate, and enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes. A returning guest, Madonna is dedicated to Native wellness, cultural preservation, and raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). Her impactful work has earned her widespread recognition.

Also with us is her daughter, Reynalda Joy Cruz, an award-winning costume designer and recipient of the 2024 Diversity in Business Award. Reynalda, appearing on the show for the second time, continues her family’s legacy of community engagement. Together, we proudly represent four generations of women.

This episode holds special meaning for all of us at KBBF as we launch a fundraiser and invite our listeners to support our mission. On this Memorial Day, we also honor the memory of civilians lost to war and commit ourselves to teaching peace to future generations.

 2. Our guests Madonna Feather Cruz, a Native American leader, and her daughter Reynalda Joy Cruz, a theater artist and advocate speak with our host Elaine B. Holtz in this insightful interview. Madonna shares how her grandmother’s cultural teachings shaped her strength and commitment to Native youth through Indian education, achieving record graduation rates. Reynalda reflects on her identity as a Native and Chicana woman, channeling her experiences into theater arts and activism.

A key topic is the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), with Madonna stressing prevention through loving, structured parenting rooted in cultural values. The conversation also explores challenges like housing discrimination and misrepresentation.

Both women stay connected to their heritage—Madonna through the Suscol Intertribal Council and Reynalda through art and traditional adornment. Holtz underscores the importance of civic engagement, community radio like KBBF, and cultural resilience. The interview is a moving call to support Native voices and build inclusive, empowered communities.

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On Monday's show of May 19, 2025  Elaine B. Holtz comments:  I have a special guest this morning. Joining me on the phone is Starhawk. With all that is transpiring I thought it would be a promising idea to talk about her 13 Principles for a Welcoming Movement. It is an amazing piece and a shout out to the Peace and Justice Center of Sonoma County for printing this information in their March April Newsletter. I encourage you to check out their website, https://www.pjcsoco.org/ . This organization is a great source of information for active peace work.

Juneteenth is approaching. Freedom Festival is from June 19th to July 4th every year, with discussion groups scheduled all year, see description at https://freedomfestivalusa.org/ .  The Sonoma County MLK/HJuneteenth Festival is on Saturday June 14th at a new venue, Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA.

No Kings Day nationwide protests is on June 14th. See Announcements on below.

2. Our Guest Starhawk shares her journey from a college project on witches to founding spiritually grounded, feminist activism. Her discovery of nature-based, goddess-centered spirituality contrasted sharply with her male-dominated religious upbringing and led to co-founding the Reclaiming tradition—blending activism, ecology, and spirit.

She discusses the “13 Principles for a Welcoming Movement,” created to address how leftist movements often alienate newcomers through ideological rigidity. Starhawk urges movements to be inclusive, grounded in shared purpose, and kind. She emphasizes welcoming people with patience, using accessible language over academic jargon, and educating through organizing.

Our host Elaine B. Holtz reflects on her own awakening through women’s studies and Starhawk’s Spiral Dance ritual. Key principles include “Organizing is educating” and “Be kind,” with kindness framed as essential to resistance.

SStarhawk concludes by inviting listeners to her Earth Activist Training programs, promoting healing through permaculture and community, and calls for a just world rooted in compassion and connection.